1.

8 Bagasse Combustion In Sugar Mills

1.8.1 Process Description1-5

Bagasse is the matted cellulose fiber residue from sugar cane that has been processed in a
sugar mill. Previously, bagasse was burned as a means of solid waste disposal. However, as the cost
of fuel oil, natural gas, and electricity has increased, bagasse has come to be regarded as a fuel rather
than refuse. Bagasse is a fuel of varying composition, consistency, and heating value. These
characteristics depend on the climate, type of soil upon which the cane is grown, variety of cane,
harvesting method, amount of cane washing, and the efficiency of the milling plant. In general,
bagasse has a heating value between 3,000 and 4,000 British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) on a
wet, as-fired basis. Most bagasse has a moisture content between 45 and 55 percent by weight.

The U. S. sugar cane industry is located in the tropical and subtropical regions of Florida,
Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Except for Hawaii, where sugar cane production takes
place year round, sugar mills operate seasonally from 2 to 5 months per year.

Sugar cane is a large grass with a bamboo-like stalk that grows 8 to 15 feet tall. Only the
stalk contains sufficient sucrose for processing into sugar. All other parts of the sugar cane
(i. e., leaves, top growth, and roots) are termed "trash". The objective of harvesting is to deliver the
sugar cane to the mill with a minimum of trash or other extraneous material. The cane is normally
burned in the field to remove a major portion of the trash and to control insects and rodents. (See
Section 13.1 for methods to estimate these emissions.) The three most common methods of harvesting
are hand cutting, machine cutting, and mechanical raking. The cane that is delivered to a particular
sugar mill will vary in trash and dirt content depending on the harvesting method and weather
conditions. Inside the mill, cane preparation for extraction usually involves washing the cane to
remove trash and dirt, chopping, and then crushing. Juice is extracted in the milling portion of the
plant by passing the chopped and crushed cane through a series of grooved rolls. The cane remaining
after milling is bagasse.

1.8.2 Firing Practices

Fuel cells, horseshoe boilers, and spreader stoker boilers are used to burn bagasse. Horseshoe
boilers and fuel cells differ in the shapes of their furnace area but in other respects are similar in
design and operation. In these boilers (most common among older plants), bagasse is gravity-fed
through chutes and piles onto a refractory hearth. Primary and overfire combustion air flows through
ports in the furnace walls; burning begins on the surface pile. Many of these units have dumping
hearths that permit ash removal while the unit is operating.

In more recently built sugar mills, bagasse is burned in spreader stoker boilers. Bagasse fed to
these boilers enters the furnace through a fuel chute and is spread pneumatically or mechanically
across the furnace, where part of the fuel burns while in suspension. Simultaneously, large pieces of
fuel are spread in a thin, even bed on a stationary or moving grate. The flame over the grate radiates
heat back to the fuel to aid combustion. The combustion area of the furnace is lined with heat
exchange tubes (waterwalls).

10/96 External Combustion Sources 1.8-1

1.8.3 Emissions1-3

The most significant pollutant emitted by bagasse-fired boilers is particulate matter, caused by
the turbulent movement of combustion gases with respect to the burning bagasse and resultant ash.
Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are lower than conventional fossil fuels
due to the characteristically low levels of sulfur and nitrogen associated with bagasse.

Auxiliary fuels (typically fuel oil or natural gas) may be used during startup of the boiler or
when the moisture content of the bagasse is too high to support combustion; if fuel oil is used during
these periods, SO2 and NOx emissions will increase. Soil characteristics such as particle size can
affect the magnitude of particulate matter (PM) emissions from the boiler. Cane that is improperly
washed or incorrectly prepared can also influence the bagasse ash content. Upsets in combustion
conditions can cause increased emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned organics, typically
measured as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total organic compounds (TOCs).

1.8.4 Controls

Mechanical collectors and wet scrubbers are commonly used to control particulate emissions
from bagasse-fired boilers. Mechanical collectors may be installed in single cyclone, double cyclone,
or multiple cyclone (i. e., multiclone) arrangements. The reported PM collection efficiency for
mechanical collectors is 20 to 60 percent. Due to the abrasive nature of bagasse fly ash, mechanical
collector performance may deteriorate over time due to erosion if the system is not well maintained.

The most widely used wet scrubbers for bagasse-fired boilers are impingement and venturi
scrubbers. Impingement scrubbers normally operate at gas-side pressure drops of 5 to 15 inches of
water; typical pressure drops for venturi scrubbers are over 15 inches of water. Impingement
scrubbers are in greater use due to their lower energy requirements and fewer operating and
maintenance problems. Reported PM collection efficiencies for both scrubber types are 90 percent or
greater.

Fabric filters and electrostatic precipitators have not been used to a significant extent for
controlling PM from bagasse-fired boilers because both are relatively costly compared to other control
options. Fabric filters also pose a potential fire hazard.

Gaseous emissions (e. g., SO2, NOx, CO, and organics) may also be absorbed to a significant
extent in a wet scrubber. Alkali compounds are sometimes utilized in the scrubber to prevent low pH
conditions. If carbon dioxide (CO2)-generating compounds (such as sodium carbonate or calcium
carbonate) are used, CO2 emissions will increase.

Fugitive dust may be generated by truck traffic and cane handling operations at the sugar mill.
PM emissions from these sources may be estimated by consulting Section 13.2.

Emission factors and emission factor ratings for bagasse-fired boilers are shown in Table 1.8-1.
Table 1.8-1 presents emission factors on a weight basis (lb/ton). To convert to an energy basis
(lb/MMBtu), divide by a heating value of 7.0 MMBtu/ton.

1.8.5 Updates Since the Fifth Edition

The Fifth Edition was released in January 1995. Revisions to this section since that date are
summarized below. For further detail, consult the memoranda describing each supplement or the

1.8-2 EMISSION FACTORS 10/96

background report for this section.

Supplement A, February 1996

No changes.

Supplement B, October 1996

PM emission factors were revised for boilers controlled with wet scrubbers.

10/96 External Combustion Sources 1.8-3

 Table 1.8-1. EMISSION FACTORS FOR BAGASSE-FIRED BOILERSa

Pollutant Emission Factor (lb/ton)b EMISSION FACTOR RATING

PMc
Uncontrolledd 15.6 C
Controlled
Mechanical collectore 8.4 D
Wet scrubberf 1.4 A
PM-10
Controlled
Wet scrubberg 1.36 D
CO2
Uncontrolledh 1,560 A
NOx
Uncontrolledj 1.2 C
Polycyclic organic matter
Uncontrolledk 0.001 D
a Source Classification Code is 1-02-011-01.
b Units are lb of pollutant/ton of wet, as-fired bagasse containing approximately 50% moisture, by
weight. If lbs of steam produced is monitored, assume 1 lb of bagasse produces 2 lb of steam, in
lieu of any site-specific conversion data. To convert from lb/ton to kg/Mg, multiply by 0.5.
c Includes only filterable PM (i. e., that particulate collected on or prior to the filter of an EPA
Method 5 [or equivalent] sampling train).
d Reference 2.
e References 6-7.
f References 6,8-65.
g Reference 13.
h References 6-13,66. CO2 emissions will increase following a wet scrubber in which CO2-generating
reagents (such as sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate) are used.
j References 7,13.
k Reference 7. Based on measurements collected downstream of PM control devices which may
have provided some removal of polycyclic organic matter condensed on PM.

References For Section 1.8

1. Potential Control Strategies for Bagasse Fired Boilers, EPA Contract No. 68-02-0627,
Engineering-Science, Inc., Arcadia, CA, May 1978.

2. Background Document: Bagasse Combustion in Sugar Mills, EPA-450/3-77-077, U. S.

Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, January 1977.

1.8-4 EMISSION FACTORS 10/96

3. Nonfossil Fuel Fired Industrial Boilers — Background Information, EPA-450/3-82-007,
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, March 1982.

4. A Technology Assessment of Solar Energy Systems: Direct Combustion of Wood and Other
Biomass in Industrial Boilers, ANL/EES-TM--189, Angonne National Laboratory, Argonne,
IL, December 1981.

5. Emission Factor Documentation for AP-42 Section 1.8 — Bagasse Combustion in Sugar Mills,
Technical Support Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, April 1993.

6. Particulate Emissions Test Report: Atlantic Sugar Association, Air Quality Consultants, Inc.,
December 20, 1978.

7. Stationary Source Testing of Bagasse Fired Boilers at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar
Company: Puunene, Maui, Hawaii, EPA Contract No. 68-02-1403, Midwest Research
Institute, Kansas City, MO, February 1976.

8. Compliance Stack Test: Gulf and Western Food Products: Report No. 238-S, South Florida
Environmental Services, Inc., February 1980.

9. Compliance Stack Test: Gulf and Western Food Products: Report No. 221-S, South Florida
Environmental Services, Inc., January 1980.

10. Compliance Stack Test: United States Sugar Corporation: Report No. 250-S, South Florida
Environmental Services, Inc., February 1980.

11. Compliance Stack Test: Osceola Farms Company: Report No. 215-S, South Florida
Environmental Services, Inc., December 1979.

12. Source Emissions Survey of Davies Hamakua Sugar Company: Report No. 79-34, Mullins
Environmental Testing Company, May 1979.

13. Emission Test Report: U. S. Sugar Company, Bryant Florida, EPA Contract No. 68-02-2818,
Monsanto Research Corporation, Dayton, OH, May 1980.

14. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubber
Number 6 Boiler: Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, February 1 and 4, 1991.

15. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubber
Number 5 Boiler: Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, February 5, 1991.

16. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubber
Number 4 Boiler: Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, February 11, 1991.

17. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 3 Boiler:
Atlantic Sugar Association, Belle Glade, Florida, November 27, 1990.

18. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 4 Boiler:
Atlantic Sugar Association, Belle Glade, Florida, November 29, 1990.

10/96 External Combustion Sources 1.8-5

19. Source Test Report Number 3 Boiler Impingement Wet Scrubber Particulate Emissions: Sugar
Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, December 6, 1990.

20. Source Test Report Number 4 Boiler Impingement Wet Scrubber Particulate Emissions: Sugar
Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, December 11, 1990.

21. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 5 Boiler:
United States Sugar Cane Corporation, Bryant, Florida, January 13, 1991.

22. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 1 Boiler:
United States Sugar Corporation, Bryant, Florida, January 8, 1991.

23. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 3 Boiler:
United States Sugar Corporation, Bryant, Florida, January 24, 1991.

24. Source Test Report Number 5 Boiler Impingement Wet Scrubbers Particulate Emissions:
Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, December 5, 1990.

25. Source Test Report Number 8 Boiler Impingement Wet Scrubber Particulate Emissions: Sugar
Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, December 12, 1990.

26. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers
Number 1 Boiler: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida,
November 19, 1990.

27. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers
Number 2 Boiler: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida,
November 28, 1990.

28. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Number 2 Boiler:
U. S. Sugar Corporation, Bryant, Florida, January 23, 1991.

29. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler
Number 4: Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, December 9, 1991.

30. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler
Number 8: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida Airport Road, Belle Glade, Florida,
November 27, 1991.

31. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers Boiler
Number 1: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida,
November 14, 1991.

32. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers Boiler
Number 2: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida,
November 15, 1991.

33. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers Boiler
Number 6: Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, December 11, 1991.

1.8-6 EMISSION FACTORS 10/96

34. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Boilers 3 and 4: Atlantic Sugar Association,
Belle Glade, Florida, November 20 and 21, 1991.

35. Source Test Report For Particulate And Volatile Organic Compound Emissions,
Nominal 10% Soil Feed Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler Number 1, Bryant, Florida,
December 19, 1991.

36. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler
Number 5, Bryant, Florida, March 5, 1992.

37. Source Test Report For Particulate And Volatile Organic Compound Emissions,
Nominal 10% Soil Feed Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler Number 3, Bryant, Florida,
December 17, 1991.

38. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler
Number 4, November 26, 1991.

39. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers Boiler
Number 5, November 20, 1991.

40. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubber Boiler
Number 5, Talisman Sugar Corporation, South Bay, Florida, December 10, 1991.

41. Source Test Report For Particulate Emissions Twin Impingement Wet Scrubbers Boiler
Number 3, November 21, 1991.

42. Atlantic Sugar Association Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #2, Belle
Glade, Florida Facility, February 1, 1991.

43. Osceola Farms Company Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #2, Pahokee,
Florida Facility, February 7, 1991.

44. Particulate Emissions Compliance Test Report Boiler #1: Atlantic Sugar Association, Belle
Glade, Florida Facility, December 11, 1990.

45. Particulate Emissions Testing, Atlantic Sugar Association Boiler #1, Belle Glade, Florida
Facility, December 16, 1991.

46. Particulate Emissions Compliance Test Report Boiler #5, Atlantic Sugar Association, Belle
Glade, Florida Facility, January 8, 1992.

47. Atlantic Sugar Association Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #5, January 10, 1991.

48. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #12, South Bay
Florida Facility, December 17, 1991.

49. Particulate Emissions Testing, Atlantic Sugar Association Boiler #2, Belle Glade, Florida
Facility, December 12, 1991.

50. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #11, South Bay
Florida Facility, January 21 & 22, 1992.

10/96 External Combustion Sources 1.8-7

51. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #10, South Bay
Florida Facility, January 29, 30 & 31, 1992.

52. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #6, South Bay
Florida Facility, January 24, 1992.

53. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #14, South Bay
Florida Facility, January 10 & 13, 1992.

54. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #15, South Bay
Florida Facility, January 8, 1992.

55. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #4, South Bay
Florida Facility, December 11 & 12, 1991.

56. Okeelanta Corporation Compliance Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #5, South Bay
Florida Facility, December 12 & 13, 1991.

57. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #5, December 12, 1990.

58. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #6,

December 13-14, 1990.

59. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #10, January 29-30, 1991.

60. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #4,

December 10-11, 1990.

61. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #11, December 6-7, 1990.

62. Particulate Emissions Testing Okeelanta Corporation Boiler #12, January 31 and
February 1, 1991.

63. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #14, February 4-5, 1991.

64. Okeelanta Corporation Particulate Emissions Test Report Boiler #15, February 8, 1991.

65. Stack Test For Total Gaseous Non-Methane Organic Compounds Report 1371-S Boiler
No. 5 - Bryant, United States Sugar Corporation, February 15, 1990.

66. Source Emissions Survey: Honokaa Sugar Company, Kennedy Engineers, Inc.,
January 19, 1979.

1.8-8 EMISSION FACTORS 10/96